They absolutely wore stays. As grumblebee said, "Corsets weren't just about waistlines - they also gave breast, back & abdominal support." This is exactly why women who did hard labour (and the work that the average woman back then was truly hard ... more

Ready-to-wear are corsets that are pre-made from set patterns, like most modern clothing. They are usually sized by closed waist measurement. When buying ready-to-wear, it is very important that the corset match the wearer in torso length and curve. ... more

I'm trying to keep this a family friendly site--something that if a young kid runs across his mother won't be upset about. The study of undergarments is necessary to the full view of historical fashion, but there are plenty of other sites dealing ... more

A corset should last a long time, provided it is properly cared for; ensure your corset is not too small for you, do not overtighten it and have it professionally dry cleaned. Leather corsets should only be cleaned by a leather specialist. If you ... more

Most people do not have any idea what the difference between a bustier and a corset is. After reading this, hopefully you will understand the differences and be able to purchase the corset or bustier that best suits your needs. Corsets If you want ... more

While both Corsets and Bustiers can have boning, corsets as a rule lace up the back allowing you to adjust the snugness of it whilte bustiers will generally hook or zip close. What is body modification? What corsets can I use for body modification? ... more

A. As pointed out to me by a physician consultant, although it is or may be possible, if corsets really caused this result, it is highly likely that vast numbers of women seeking to terminate pregnancies intentionally, would buy corsets for that ... more

Of course they do! For many reasons, progressive males really like the fashion statement they make, the fine figure they cut, and the way a truly exquisite corset fits. We are also proud to create corsets for our TG and cross-dresser clients. We ... more

Yes. At that time they were called "stays" and were universally recommended to help children grow to a good shape and posture. The first link shows a surviving original pair of stays. These, being stitched out of linen and whalebone, would have ... more

“Certainly, women’s reluctance to abandon the corset was closely related to their interest in fashionable dress. But “Fashion” can not logically be reified as a magic power that causes women to behave in ways contrary to their own best interests.” ... more